Subway was started by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck in 1965. DeLuca was a 17-year-old high school student from Connecticut who was looking for a way to pay for college. Buck was a family friend and physicist who loaned DeLuca $1,000 to start a sandwich shop.
The first Subway restaurant was opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and it was originally called "Pete's Super Submarines." The restaurant quickly became popular for its fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and its commitment to customer service.
Subway's early success led to the opening of additional locations, and the company began franchising in 1974. Over the next few decades, Subway continued to grow rapidly, opening locations across the United States and eventually expanding internationally.
Subway's success has been attributed to several factors, including its customizable menu, its focus on fresh ingredients, and its commitment to affordability and convenience. The company has also been innovative in its marketing, using catchy slogans like "Eat Fresh" and "Subway: The Way a Sandwich Should Be" to promote its brand.
Today, Subway is one of the largest restaurant chains in the world, with over 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries. The company has expanded its menu to include a wide range of sandwiches, salads, and other food items, and it has continued to innovate with new technologies like mobile ordering and delivery.